Joseph Peter Zarelli ([tsaˈrelli]; born October 7, 1961) is an American former politician of the Republican Party.

After serving as a top Senate Republican for several years, Zarelli announced his retirement at the end of his current term on May 19, 2012.

[1] Jaime Herrera was an intern in Zarelli's office and he was a major supporter of her rise in politics.

[2] According to his official Legislative biography, Senator Zarelli owns a company specializing in business development and risk management services.

[4] Zarelli was briefly dogged by controversy in 2002 when the Seattle Times reported on the fact that he collected unemployment while simultaneously serving in the State Legislature.